The scene is a familiar one: People standing around an airport terminal waiting for their flight, and one, lone soldier standing in full uniform, pretending not to notice the awkward glances from everyone around him.

Sometimes we walk up to that soldier and shake his hand. Sometimes we pay his bar tab or restaurant check. We show our gratitude by going to parades and memorials. Our children meet servicemen and women in their schools. Yet, many times we see a soldier in uniform and say nothing. We are uncomfortable approaching a stranger and opening our heart to him or her.